Here's the realistic SMU approach to TCU's move

[Mitch McConnell]

Great for the Horned Frogs. They started this journey 10-11 years ago because they decided they didn't want to stink anymore. They dedicated themselves to be strong in their lead sport of Football and make it a cash cow.

They have return on their investment.

There's nothing we can do about it.

As they move on, the reality is SMU was 10 years behind the curve and either chose not to react or was slow to react. But the past is the past.

Now, SMU decided it didn't want to stink anymore in 2008 when June Jones was hired and academic restrictions were softened and then tweaked recently. Right now, the best thing SMU can do is just continue to get better and better at its level to the point where it dominates CUSA or whatever future league it may find itself in on a yearly basis to make itself much more attractive.

Playing this Saturday in Orlando is a bi-product to the commitment we appear to be showing. Win or lose, this game is a big step. Win the game and it's a leap.

Everything is relative. We must be reminded of that. I'm not going to complain or whine about it because it's senseless. TCU was rewarded for its commitment.

If anything, this should motivate our school and the powers that be that if we really want to be in this position, we have to work, work and work some more to get there. We're only going to get out of this what we put into this.

Patience and dedication should be the fundamentals behind this program's future.

I hope SMU embraces the challenge.

[ponyte]

Be thankful Ken Pye isn't around running things anymore. His response to TCU going to a BSC AQ conference would be to jump SMU into the Sunbelt Conference.

[Stallion]

No wrong answer. Ken Pye would have appointed a Committee to study the feasability of continuing Division 1A Athletics and selected Gordon Gee as its Chairman

[FriscoChuck]

I am with you. We must keep winning. I would also like to see us keep scheduling fun teams to watch in football (example: old SWC teams or other Big 12/10 teams).

[RednBlue11]

in true Big East stayle, balancing out their good move...w/ a terrible one, inviting Villanova to move up to D1A

fair to say that they will gain no more credibility by adding another steppingstone of a team to an already weak conf.

[ponyscott]

I think its a good move and will only serve to make SMU stronger in the future. A rising tide floats all boats is the old saying and it is good for them that they will be recognized in the East coast now. It recognizes small Private schools in Major markets and could also serve to legitimize SMU just by association. We will still play them in Football and basketball and will now get more noteriety in the East Coast press just by playing a Big East School. Its just a matter of time when the Conferences continue their raids and where will SMU be then?
I like the fact that UCF and East Carolina are still strong members of the CUSA in the East side and are strong draws at home...lets hope the CUSA keeps elevating its play in all sports. If the Big East gets raided then could the CUSA be a BCS Conference and find it ranked higher than the Big East in a few years?

[ponyte]

No wrong answer. Ken Pye would have appointed a Committee to study the feasability of continuing Division 1A Athletics and selected Gordon Gee as its Chairman

I don't know which was worse. A two year without football DP or 1987-1994 of the Kenny Pye show.

[CalallenStang]

Within a few months, the Big East will be ripped apart and TCU will be left out.

There is no way that Texas stands for TCU being in an AQ conference.

[East Coast Mustang]

Within a few months, the Big East will be ripped apart and TCU will be left out.

There is no way that Texas stands for TCU being in an AQ conference.

By who? Big Ten?

[East Coast Mustang]

Totally agree with the original post. Not sure about the long term viability of the BE, but kudos to TCU, their fanbase, and their administration for understanding the realities of college football in the BCS era and doing something about it. Hopefully Gerald Turner is taking notes

[RednBlue11]

Within a few months, the Big East will be ripped apart and TCU will be left out.

There is no way that Texas stands for TCU being in an AQ conference.

UT doesn't have even the remotest bearing on the decisions or viability of the Big East Conf.

[Big Hoss]

Great move by TCU. They don't even have to go undefeated any more to go to a BCS bowl. Heck, this year, all the Big East champ will need is 8 wins, 6 in conference. TCU has done that now for what, 7-8 years in a row?

[ponyboy]

Will this significantly change their strength of schedule?

[LA_Mustang]

Within a few months, the Big East will be ripped apart and TCU will be left out.

There is no way that Texas stands for TCU being in an AQ conference.

that makes no sense

[Big Hoss]

Will this significantly change their strength of schedule?

Not really, but it doesn't matter. The Big East is an AQ conference, so all they need to do is be the best Big East team. This year, they would have EASILY been the Big East champ.